Exercise System and Method

ABSTRACT

An exercise device includes a first adjustable resistance leg, a second adjustable resistance leg, a first cuff connected to the first adjustable resistance leg, a second cuff connected to the second resistance leg, a first retention device connected to the first adjustable resistance leg, a second retention device connected to the second adjustable resistance leg, and a mediate resistive member connected to the first retention device and the second retention device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to exercise devices, and moreparticularly relates to systems and methods for resistive exercise ofarms, legs and body in successive extension movements.

BACKGROUND

A variety of exercise devices are available. Conventional exercisedevices tend to emphasize workout of particular body portions, forexample, arms, legs, back and so forth. A more rounded and overallworkout through stretch against resistance is desirable. Conventionalresistive exercise devices have been unwieldy in use and storage,operable strictly for specific body size, complicated in adjustments andmechanisms, and otherwise less than favorable. These and other problemslead to lack of use in exercise and failure of equipment.

It would therefore be desirable, and a significant improvement in theart and technology, to provide resistive exercise systems and methodsthat overcome these deficiencies and provide rounded exercise againstresistance.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the invention is a device for exercising. The deviceincludes a first resistive member, a second resistive member, a firstadjustment pad connected to the first resistive member, a secondadjustment pad connected to the second resistive member, and a backresistive member connected to the first adjustment pad and the secondadjustment pad.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of manufacture of anexercise device. The method includes providing a first resistive member,providing a second resistive member, forming a first adjustment padadjustably connected to the first resistive member, forming a secondadjustment pad adjustably connected to the second resistive member, andproviding a back resistive member connected to the first adjustment padand the second adjustment pad.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of exercising. Themethod includes resting a back resistive member across the back aroundthe neck, resting a first adjustment pad connected to the back resistivemember, on the right breast near the shoulder, resting a secondadjustment pad connected to the back resistive member, on the leftbreast near the shoulder, connecting a right ankle cuff to the rightankle, the right ankle cuff connected to a second resistive memberconnected to the second adjustment pad, and connecting a left ankle cuffto the left ankle, the left ankle cuff connected to a first resistivemember connected to the first adjustment pad.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of exercising. Themethod includes grasping a first adjustment pad in the left hand, thefirst adjustment pad connected to a back resistive member and a secondresistive member, grasping a second adjustment pad in the right hand,the second adjustment pad connected to the back resistive member and afirst resistive member, connecting a right ankle cuff to the rightankle, the right ankle cuff connected to the second resistive member,connecting a left ankle cuff to the left ankle, the left ankle cuffconnected to the first resistive member, and placing the firstadjustment pad and the second adjustment pad on a surface when in proneposition.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is an exercise device. Theexercise device includes a first adjustable resistance leg, a secondadjustable resistance leg, a first cuff connected to the firstadjustable resistance leg, a second cuff connected to the secondadjustable resistance leg, a first retention device connected to thefirst adjustable resistance leg, a second retention device connected tothe second adjustable resistance leg, and a mediate resistive memberconnected to the first retention device and the second retention device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the accompanying figures, in which like referencesindicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an exercise device,according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an adjustable retainer pad ofFIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an outer side view of a bottom of the adjustableretainer pad of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an inner side view of the bottom of the adjustableretainer pad of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an outer side view of a top and hand grip of theadjustable retainer pad of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an inner side view of the top of the adjustableretainer pad of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front side view of an adjustment button of theadjustable retainer pad of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of an exercise device,according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of an exercise device in use in astanding position of the user, according to certain embodiments of theinvention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an exercise device in use in a frontdown, prone position of the user, according to certain embodiments ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a non-exclusive example embodiment of an exercisedevice 100 includes a first resistive member 102 and a second resistivemember 104. The first and second resistive members 102, 104,respectively, are adjustably connected to a first pad 106 and a secondpad 108, respectively. The first pad 106 and the second pad 108 areconnected to respective extents of a back resistive member 110.Respective extents of the first and second resistive members 102, 104,respectively, opposing the first and second pads 106, 108, are connectedto a first cuff 112 and a second cuff 114, respectively.

In operation, the device 100 may be employed with the back resistivemember 110 resting behind the neck along the back of the user. The firstand second pads 106, 108 may be located on respective sides of thebreast of the user. The first resistive member 102 may be connected viathe first cuff 112 to a left ankle of the user. The second resistivemember 104 may be connected via the second cuff 114 to a right ankle ofthe user.

The user may then proceed to exercise each leg against resistance bymovement of the leg in extended position an arcing movement. Forexample, the left leg of the user may be passed in various extensions inan arc along the left side of the body. The right leg of the user mayalso be passed in various extensions in an arc along the right side ofthe body.

In the embodiments, length and, therefore, extent of resistance of thefirst and second resistive members 102, 104, may be adjusted via thefirst and second pads 106, 108, respectively. This adjustment may bemade by varying the length of each of the first and second resistivemembers 102, 104, in relation to the first and second pads 106, 108. Thefirst and second pads 106, 108 each include a respective adjustmentdevice for varying lengths of extension of the first and secondresistive members 102, 104.

Further in use, the device 100 may be employed on the floor with thefirst cuff 112 connected to the left ankle of the user, the second cuffconnected to the right ankle of the user, and the first and second pads,respectively, grasped in the right and left hands, respectively. Theuser may position belly down towards the floor or on the floor, asapplicable. Arms may be extended and rotated in respective arcs againstresistance of the back resistive member 110 and the first and secondresistive members 102, 104, respectively. Legs may also be extended androtated through arcing positions against resistance of the first andsecond resistive members 102, 104, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 2, a pad 200, such as the first or second pads 106,108, respectively, of the device 100 of FIG. 1, include a top 202connected to a bottom 204. The top 202 may be generally spherical andinclude or connect to a hand grip 206. The bottom 204 may be generallyspherical, substantially sized to match the top 202, and include agenerally planar outer surface 204 a. The top 202 includes a first partof a mediate cylinder 208 and a peripheral adjustment notch 210, and thebottom 204 includes a matching second part of the mediate cylinder 208and a match of the peripheral notch 210. The mediate cylinder 208accommodates an extension of a back resistive member in a slidablemanner. The peripheral adjustment notch 210 accommodates a first orsecond resistive member in adjustably fixed engagement. For example, abutton 212 may slidably engage with the notch 210 to crimp or otherwisegrip a resistive member therewith.

The bottom 204 may also be generally spherical and incorporated with orconnected to a sliding ring 214. The bottom 204 is outwardly generallyplanar for resting against a user's breast or gliding over a surface,such as the floor. The sliding ring 214 may provide comfort when the pad200 is engaged to the breast of a user, such as when employed in astanding configuration with a back resistive member around the neck. Thesliding ring 214 may also provide smooth glide of the pad 200 over agenerally planar surface, such as the floor when employed in a bellydown configuration with the pad 200 held in the hand.

A first shield 216 may connect to the top 202 around the mediatecylinder 208. A second shield 218 may connect to the bottom 204 aroundthe mediate cylinder 208. The first shield 216 and the second shield 218may, in operation, facilitate sliding engagement of the back resistivemember around the mediate cylinder 208.

The bottom 204 may connect to a cover plate 220. The cover plate 220 mayremovably connect to the bottom 204, such as by screws or otherattachment device, to allow access to disassemble the bottom 204 and top202 from connected engagement. For non-exclusive example, screws orother connection device may connect the top 202, the first shield 216,the second shield 218, and the bottom 204 in fixed connection. In suchfixed connection, the first part of the mediate cylinder 208 and thematching second part of the mediate cylinder 208 are engaged forming themediate cylinder 208, and the notch 210 is formed by matching engagementof the peripheral notch 210 of the top 202 with its match of theperipheral notch 210 of the bottom 204. The button 212 is retained inthe peripheral notch 210, and may crimp a resistive member and allowselective disengagement for adjustment of the resistive member retainedwithin the notch 210.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, in conjunction with FIG. 2, the bottom 204 of apad 300 outwardly includes the generally planar surface 204 a of thegenerally spherical shape. The generally planar surface 204 a isconnected to the sliding ring 214. The plate 220 is connected to thecover plate 220. The cover plate 220 may be inset to the surface 204 a.The sliding ring 214 forms a planar surface outwardly configured to theplanar surface 204 a, in order to allow the bottom 204 to rest on thering 214 and glide over a surface, such as a floor, via the ring 214.

The bottom 204 of the pad 300 includes on another (inward) side of thepad 400 a part of the mediate cylinder 208 and the peripheral notch 210.The peripheral notch 210 of the side of the pad 400 accepts the button212 for operative engagement therein. A resistive member 402, such as aback resistive member, slidably engages the part of the mediate cylinder208.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, in conjunction with FIG. 2, the top 202 of a pad500 outwardling includes a generally arcuate surface and the hand grip206. The hand grip 206 may arcuately rise from and above the generallyarcuate surface of the top 202. A user may insert a hand between thesurface of the top 202 and the hand grip 206, in order to retain thehand with the top 202, such as when the device 100 is employed in abelly down configuration with the pad 500 held in the hand.

The top 202 of the pad 500 includes on another (inward) side of the pad600 another part of the mediate cylinder 208 and the peripheral notch210. The part of the peripheral notch 210 of the side of the pad 600also accepts the button 212 for operative engagement therein. Theresistive member 402, such as a resistive back member, slidably engagesthe part of the mediate cylinder 208.

Referring to FIG. 7, a button 700, such as the button 212, includes atriangular shaped body 702 with a nodule 704. The triangular shaped body702 fits within the notch 210. The body 702 allows a resistive member,such as, for example, the first or second resistive members 102, 104 ofFIG. 1, to surround the body 702 in coupled engagement, for example,crimped engagement, within the notch 210, unless the nodule 704 isdepressed. If the nodule 704 is depressed, the resistive member can beslid within the notch 210 to extend or shorten length of the resistivemember with respect to the pad 600.

Referring to FIG. 8, a non-exclusive example embodiment of an exercisedevice 800 includes a first resistance leg 802 and a second resistanceleg 804. The first and second resistance legs 802, 804, respectively,are adjustably connected to a first retention device 806 and a secondretention device 808, respectively. The first retention device 806 andthe second retention device 808 are connected to respective extents of amediate resistive member 810. A first cuff 812 is connected to an extentof the first resistance leg 802, opposing the first retention device806. A second cuff 814 is connected to an extent of the secondresistance leg 804, opposing the second retention device 808.

The mediate resistive member 810 connects to each of the first retentiondevice 806 and the second retention device 808 in pivotal and/or slidingengagement therewith. For non-exclusive example, the mediate resistivemember 810 is a resistive loop, such as a loop of rubber tubing, elasticstrapping, or other force-resistive material, or other force resistivemember or device. A pad 816 may retain the mediate resistive member 810,providing an organized and comfortable rest pad. The mediate resistivemember 810 may be of fixed extension or otherwise may be adjustable inlength or extent as applicable in the embodiment.

The first resistance leg 802 and the second resistance leg 804 are eacha force resistive member that is adjustable in length and resistance inrespect of the first and second retention devices 806, 808,respectively. Each of the first resistance leg 802 and second resistanceleg 804 is, for example, a loop or length of rubber tubing, elasticstrapping or other force-resistive material, or other force resistivemember or device. The loop or length of the first and second resistancelegs 802, 804, may each include a ferrule or guide 818, 820 thatloopingly connects a respective end of the legs 802, 804, respectively.The ferrule or guide 818, 820 may slidingly connect the respective endof the legs 802, 804, respectively, to extent of the legs, 802, 804,respectively, connected to the first and second cuffs 812, 814,respectively.

The first and second cuffs 812, 814 are each, for non-exclusive example,braided material, for example, nylon, cotton, or other material ormaterials, sufficient for wrapping an ankle of a user. The first andsecond cuffs 812, 814 may each attach by hook and loop (e.g., Velcro™),clasp, button, snap, hook or other closure, forming a loop or cuff forattachment to a respective ankle of the user. The first and second cuffs812, 814, respectively, connect to a respective end of the first andsecond resistance legs 802, 804, respectively, opposite the ferrule orguide 818, 820, respectively.

Each of the first and second retention devices 806, 808, respectively,connect to the first and second resistance legs 802, 804, respectively,and opposing extents of the mediate resistive member 810. The first andsecond retention devices 806, 808 each include a respective adjustablegrip, such as, for non-exclusive example, a notch and button, forsecurely and adjustably retaining the first and second resistance legs802, 804, respectively. The first retention device 806 retains the firstresistance leg 802 in fixed length of the cuff 812 in relation to thefirst retention device 806. The second retention device 808 retains thesecond resistance leg 804 in fixed length of the cuff 814 in relation tothe second retention device 808. Because each of the legs 802, 804 is aforce resistive member, the fixed lengths may each be varied throughrespective force asserted against resistance of the legs 802, 804,respectively, with respect to the retention devices 806, 808,respectively, and force asserted against resistance of the mediateresistive member 810 with respect to the retention devices 806, 808.

In operation, the mediate resistive member 810 is placed along theuser's back and around the neck. The first and second retention devices806, 808 are rested on the breast of the user near the shoulders. Thefirst and second resistance legs 802, 806 extend on the front of theuser and along the legs. The first and second cuffs 812, 814 areconnected to respective left and right ankles of the user.

The user, in a standing position, moves one and then the other leg inrespective arcuate movements, extending the leg against resistance ofthe first and second resistance legs 802, 806, respectively, and themediate resistive member 810. Movements of the leg are sweeped fromright to left side, and may be in increments of radial extension. Theuser makes the movements with one leg, while the other leg is extendingand standing. The user then makes the movements with the other leg,while the first leg is extending and standing. Timing of incremental orcontinuous movements of the legs is subject to discretion and desiredresults for the user.

Further in operation, the first and second resistance devices 806, 808are placed on the ground, with each hand of the user holding one of thefirst and second retention devices 806, 808, respectively. The userposes in a face down, prone position, with the first and secondresistance legs 802, 804, respectively, extending along the ground andin connection to the left and right ankles, respectively of the user.The user extends the legs in arcuate movements or in forward and aftmovements against resistance of the legs 802, 806.

The user, in prone position, may also exercise the arms againstresistance of the mediate resistive member 810 and the legs 802, 804, byextending the arms outwardly from the body with the first and secondretention devices 806, 808 held cupped in respective hands. The arms areextended in arcuate or sweeping movements along the ground, such as afloor, and may be in increments of radial extension. The user makesmovements with one arm and hand cupping one of the first and secondretention devices 806, 808, while the other arm and hand retains balanceand cups the other of the first and second retention device 808, 806.The user then makes the movements with the other arm and hand cuppingthe retention device 808, 806, while the first arm and hand retainsbalance and cups the other of the retention device 806, 808. Timing ofincremental or continuous movements of the arms and hands is subject todiscretion and desired results for the user.

Referring to FIG. 9, an exercise device 900 is in use in a standingposition. The exercise device 900 includes the mediate resistive member810 along the back and neck of the user. The mediate resistive member810 extends to the first and second retention devices 806, 808. Firstand second resistance legs 802, 804 extend from the first and secondretention devices 806, 808, respectively. Extents of the first andsecond resistance legs 802, 804, respectively, connect to first andsecond cuffs 812, 814, respectively.

The first and second retention devices 806, 808 rest on either side ofthe user's breast near the shoulders. The first cuff 812 connects to theleft ankle of the user, and the second cuff 814 connects to the rightankle of the user. In use, the user stands on one leg, such as the rightleg, and extends the other leg, such as the left leg, in intermittent orcontinuous (as desired) arcuate movements, for example, in the directionindicated by arrow A. On completing exercise with the left leg inarcuate movement of the direction A, the user stands on the other leg,such as the left leg, and extends the other leg, such as the right leg,in similar intermittent or continuous (as desired) arcuate movements.

Referring to FIG. 10, an exercise device 1000 is in use by a user in aface down, prone position, such as on a floor or other surface. Thedevice 1000 is held by the user's hands via the first retention device808 and the second retention device 810 (not shown in FIG. 10). Thesecond resistance leg 804 extends from the second retention device 810to the right ankle of the right leg of the user at the second cuff 814.The first resistance leg 802 extends from the first retention device 806to the left leg of the user at the first cuff 812. One or more floor pad1002 is supplied for floor exercise.

Various floor exercises are possible in the embodiments. As anon-exclusive example, the user may exercise legs against resistance ofthe first and second resistance legs 804, 806 in the direction of arrowA. The user may also, in non-exclusive example, move the feet to stretchagainst resistance in intermittent or continuous arcuate movements inthe direction of arrow B. The user may rest one or both knees on one ormore floor pad 1002 if one leg is exercised against resistance at atime. The user may also, in non-exclusive example, move the hands andarms to stretch against resistance in intermittent or continuous arcuatemovements in the direction of arrow C. The user may rest both knees onfloor pads 1002 or the like to maintain balance when stretching armsagainst resistance.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention as set forthin the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are tobe regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent invention.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems and device(s), connection(s)and element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution tooccur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. Asused herein, the terms “comprises, “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus.

1: A device for exercising, comprising: a first resistive member; asecond resistive member; a first adjustment pad connected to the firstresistive member; a second adjustment pad connected to the secondresistive member; a back resistive member connected to the firstadjustment pad and the second adjustment pad. 2: The device of claim 1,wherein the back resistive member pivotally connects to the firstadjustment pad and the second adjustment pad. 3: The device of claim 1,wherein the first resistive member is adjustably engaged to the firstadjustment pad and the second resistive member is adjustably engaged tothe second adjustment pad. 4: The device of claim 1, wherein the firstresistive member and the second resistive member are each rubber tubing.5: The device of claim 1, wherein the back resistive member is a loop ofrubber tubing. 6: The device of claim 1, wherein the first adjustmentpad forms a cylinder for pivotally retaining an end of the backresistive member and the second adjustment pad forms another cylinderfor pivotally retaining another end of the back resistive member. 7: Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising a first cuff connected to thefirst resistive member and a second cuff connected to the secondresistive member. 8: The device of claim 1, further comprising a kneepad. 9: A method of manufacture of an exercise device, comprising:providing a first resistive member; providing a second resistive member;forming a first adjustment pad adjustably connected to the firstresistive member; forming a second adjustment pad adjustably connectedto the second resistive member; providing a back resistive memberconnected to the first adjustment pad and the second adjustment pad. 10:The method of manufacture of claim 9, wherein forming the firstadjustment pad and forming the second adjustment pad includes moldingrespective sides of each of the first adjustment pad and the secondadjustment pad with a respective cylinder and a respective notch,connecting the respective sides of the first adjustment pad, connectingthe respective sides of the second adjustment pad, inserting arespective button in a respective notch formed of the respective sidesof each of the first adjustment pad and the second adjustment pad, andjoining the respective sides of each of the first adjustment pad and thesecond adjustment pad to form the respective cylinder. 11: The method ofmanufacture of claim 10, further comprising: providing a knee pad foruse in exercise. 12: A method of exercising, comprising: resting a backresistive member across the back around the neck; resting a firstadjustment pad connected to the back resistive member, on the rightbreast near the shoulder; resting a second adjustment pad connected tothe back resistive member, on the left breast near the shoulder;connecting a right ankle cuff to the right ankle, the right ankle cuffconnected to a second resistive member connected to the secondadjustment pad; and connecting a left ankle cuff to the left ankle, theleft ankle cuff connected to a first resistive member connected to thefirst adjustment pad. 13: The method of claim 12, further comprising:standing on the right leg; and extending the left leg in arcuatemovement against resistance. 14: The method of claim 12, furthercomprising: standing on the left leg; and extending the right leg inarcuate movement against resistance. 15: A method of exercising,comprising: grasping a first adjustment pad in the left hand, the firstadjustment pad connected to a back resistive member and a secondresistive member; grasping a second adjustment pad in the right hand,the second adjustment pad connected to the back resistive member and afirst resistive member; connecting a right ankle cuff to the rightankle, the right ankle cuff connected to the second resistive member;and connecting a left ankle cuff to the left ankle, the left ankle cuffconnected to the first resistive member; and placing the firstadjustment pad and the second adjustment pad on a surface when in proneposition. 16: The method of claim 15, further comprising: extendinglyrotating the first adjustment pad by arcuately moving the right handwith the first adjustment pad on the surface. 17: The method of claim15, further comprising: extendingly rotating the second adjustment padby arcuately moving the left hand with the second adjustment pad on thesurface. 18: The method of claim 15, further comprising: adjusting alength of the first resistive member. 19: The method of claim 15,further comprising: adjusting a length of the second resistive member.20: An exercise device, comprising: a first adjustable resistance leg; asecond adjustable resistance leg; a first cuff connected to the firstadjustable resistance leg; a second cuff connected to the secondresistance leg; a first retention device connected to the firstadjustable resistance leg; a second retention device connected to thesecond adjustable resistance leg; and a mediate resistive memberconnected to the first retention device and the second retention device.21: The exercise device of claim 20, wherein the first retention deviceand the second retention device are pivotally connected to the mediateresistive member and adjust a respective length of the first adjustableresistance leg and the second adjustable resistance leg. 22: Theexercise device of claim 20, further comprising: a first hand grip ofthe first retention device; and a second hand grip of the secondretention device.